Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: The Ultimate Easy Slow Cooker Dinner

Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight meal: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. This incredibly easy slow cooker recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet-tasting dinner that’s sure to impress. Imagine succulent, fall-apart tender chicken bathed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, studded with savory sun-dried tomatoes, and finished with fragrant fresh basil. It’s a dish so comforting and delicious, it’s earned its “Marry Me” title, promising a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

From the Author

My Enduring Love Affair with “Marry Me” Flavors

It’s no secret that I’m completely captivated by the iconic “Marry Me” flavor combination: the velvety richness of Parmesan cream sauce, the intense burst of sun-dried tomatoes, and the bright, aromatic touch of fresh basil. This magical trio has inspired several of my most cherished recipes, including my original Marry Me Chicken, a delightful one-pan tortellini dish, and even a hearty Tuscan-inspired soup!

Naturally, transforming these beloved flavors into a convenient crockpot recipe was the next logical step. The slow cooker makes it effortless to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness in the chicken and deepen the complex flavors of the sauce. This dish truly comes together with minimal hands-on effort, yet the result is nothing short of wildly delicious. The chicken emerges incredibly tender, practically dissolving with every bite, and when tossed with your favorite pasta, it’s an absolutely divine culinary experience perfect for any weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

This slow cooker Marry Me Chicken isn’t just another dinner; it’s a game-changer for busy households and anyone craving flavorful comfort food without the fuss. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation:

• Effortless Preparation: The beauty of a crockpot recipe lies in its simplicity. Most of the work is hands-off, allowing you to set it and forget it while your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
• Incredible Flavor Profile: The combination of creamy Parmesan, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, savory chicken, and fresh basil creates a balanced and deeply satisfying taste that’s hard to resist.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken: Slow cooking chicken thighs ensures they become incredibly tender and juicy, shredding easily into the rich sauce.
• Versatile Meal: Whether served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, this dish is adaptable to your preferences and pantry staples.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for leftovers or meal prepping lunches and dinners throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe appeals to almost everyone, making it ideal for family dinners, entertaining guests, or even a cozy night in.

Key Ingredients for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

The success of this dish lies in its carefully selected components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the irresistible flavor and texture of this Marry Me Chicken:

How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: Step-by-Step

Creating this flavorful Marry Me Chicken in your slow cooker is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect, fuss-free meal:

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Begin by trimming any excess fat or gristle from your boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels, then generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Craft the Flavorful Sauce Base: In a large nonstick skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, whisking constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and begins to slightly thicken. Remove the skillet from the heat and pour this creamy base evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and, if you desire a hint of heat, the red pepper flakes over the chicken and sauce. Cover your slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours, or on LOW for 4-6 hours. The chicken is ready when it is incredibly tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
4. Introduce the Creamy Finish: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to a plate or bowl. Shred or thinly slice the chicken as desired. Meanwhile, add the finely diced sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and finely grated Parmesan cheese directly into the slow cooker with the sauce. Whisk gently until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Cover and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes while you finish preparing the chicken. This short burst of heat allows the cheese to fully melt and the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Final Touches and Serving: Return the shredded or sliced chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it gently into the luscious cream sauce. Stir in the fresh ribboned basil. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve this irresistible Crockpot Marry Me Chicken hot, ideally over a bed of spaghetti, other pasta, rice, or with warm crusty bread.

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Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

By Chelsea Lords

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is an easy slow cooker meal with tender chicken in a creamy Parmesan sauce, finished with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. A perfect dinner that requires minimal effort!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

• 6-quart Crock-Pot

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 5 thighs), trim large pieces of fat
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup finely diced onion (about 1/2 large yellow onion)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Add Later:

• 1/2 cup finely diced sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (see note 1)
• 3/4 cup ribboned fresh basil (optional, about one .75 oz packet)
• Spaghetti for serving (optional, see note 2)

Instructions

1. Trim large pieces of fat and gristle from chicken thighs. Season with salt and pepper. Place thighs in a single layer, smooth side down, in the slow cooker.
2. In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Sprinkle flour over onions and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and pour mixture over chicken in the slow cooker, spreading evenly to cover.
3. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using) over the chicken. Cover and cook on High for 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours or on Low for 4-6 hours, until chicken is very tender and shreds easily.
4. Remove chicken to a plate or bowl and shred or thinly slice. Meanwhile, add sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Dijon, and Parmesan to the slow cooker. Whisk until smooth. Cover and cook for 5–10 minutes while preparing chicken.
5. Return chicken to the slow cooker and stir in basil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve over spaghetti, if desired.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best texture and flavor in your sauce, use a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself on a microplane. This yields super-fine shreds that melt beautifully and prevent a grainy texture. Lightly pack the cheese into your measuring cup for an accurate measurement.

Note 2: Pasta Water for Sauce: If serving with spaghetti or other pasta, remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water just before draining the noodles. This starchy water can be used to thin the Marry Me Chicken sauce if it becomes too thick, helping it to coat the pasta perfectly and create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Storage: Store any leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened during storage, simply stir in a splash of chicken broth or extra cream to loosen it back to your desired consistency.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 740kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 276mg | Sodium: 1277mg | Potassium: 1304mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1220IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 215mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

While Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is undeniably delicious on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniment can elevate your meal even further. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:

• Over Pasta: This is a classic choice! The rich sauce beautifully coats any pasta shape. Try it with spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or even a short pasta like rigatoni to soak up every drop of that creamy goodness.
• With Rice or Grains: For a gluten-free option or a different texture, serve the chicken and sauce over a fluffy bed of white rice, nutty brown rice, or healthy quinoa. The grains absorb the sauce, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• With Crusty Bread: Don’t let any of that incredible sauce go to waste! A warm, crusty loaf of bread, garlic bread, or homemade focaccia is perfect for dipping and mopping up the flavors. You could even use the shredded chicken and sauce as a filling for a delicious sandwich melt, perhaps on a toasted baguette with a slice of provolone.
• Alongside Fresh or Roasted Vegetables: To balance the richness of the dish, serve it with a vibrant side of vegetables. A crisp green Italian salad, simply roasted green beans, or tender broccoli would complement the flavors beautifully.
• Creative Leftover Ideas: This dish is fantastic as leftovers! Spoon the chicken and sauce over baked potatoes for a quick and satisfying second meal. You could also use it to fill tortillas for a unique twist on tacos or burritos.

Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Achieving the perfect Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is easy with these helpful tips:

1. Choose Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Opt for sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil and preferably infused with herbs. These offer a richer, more complex flavor than dry-packed varieties, which significantly enhances the sauce. Make sure to chop them finely for an even distribution of flavor throughout the dish.
2. Don’t Skimp on Dijon Mustard: Use a smooth, good-quality Dijon mustard. Its tangy, slightly pungent flavor is crucial for balancing the richness of the cream and Parmesan, adding depth without making the sauce taste overtly “mustardy.” It helps to emulsify the sauce, keeping it silky smooth.
3. Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: While chicken thighs are forgiving, overcooking can still affect their texture. Start checking for tenderness at the lower end of the recommended cooking time (e.g., 2.5 hours on high, 4 hours on low). The chicken should shred easily with a fork, indicating it’s perfectly done and juicy.
4. Freshly Grated Parmesan is Key: This is arguably the most important tip for a truly luxurious sauce. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty or oily. Grating fresh Parmesan yourself ensures it melts smoothly and integrates beautifully into the cream, resulting in a superior, restaurant-quality texture and flavor.
5. Add Fresh Basil Last: Fresh basil is delicate. Stirring it in just before serving preserves its vibrant color, fresh aroma, and distinct flavor. If added too early, it will wilt and lose its bright essence. This final touch truly elevates the dish.
6. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick after cooking, especially after adding the cream and cheese, gradually whisk in a splash of warm chicken broth or reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer on low for a few extra minutes with the lid off, or mix a tiny bit of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in.
7. Consider Browning the Chicken (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor and a slightly richer color, you can quickly sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is entirely optional but can add a depth of flavor that many find appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can! However, chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more easily in the slow cooker. If using breasts, consider reducing the cooking time slightly and make sure not to overcook them to maintain juiciness. They may not shred as easily as thighs but will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is fantastic for meal prep. You can assemble all the ingredients (except the cream, Parmesan, and basil) in the slow cooker liner the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, simply place the liner in the slow cooker and begin cooking. Leftovers also store and reheat beautifully, making it perfect for preparing in advance.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or more, to taste. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the Italian seasoning for an extra kick.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

While sun-dried tomatoes are a key component of the “Marry Me” flavor profile, you could substitute them with a small can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes (drained well) for a different but still delicious tomato flavor. The sweetness and tang will be slightly different, but it will still be a tasty dish.

Can I freeze leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?

Freezing this dish is possible, but be aware that dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate or change texture upon thawing. For best results, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, stirring in a splash of broth or cream to restore consistency if needed.